WPLL considers scrapping WSL relegation

The Women’s Super League (WSL) and Championship clubs have been called to a strategy meeting by Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd (WPLL) to discuss potential structural changes, including the removal of relegation.

According to The Guardian, WPLL, which has overseen the WSL and Championship since assuming control from the Football Association last summer, has been engaging clubs in discussions about the future structure of the leagues.

A key proposal under consideration is the removal of relegation between the WSL and the Championship as part of a broader strategy to grow the sport.

The meeting follows a period of significant commercial growth for women’s football in the UK. WPLL has secured a five-year broadcasting deal worth £65m with Sky Sports and the BBC, as well as a three-year title sponsorship agreement with Barclays worth £45m.

Discussions have included an expansion of both the WSL and Championship, with the possibility of allowing promotion from the Championship without enforcing relegation from the WSL. If implemented, this would result in gradual growth of the top division, with a new team added each season. These structural changes would not take effect before the 2026-27 season, and no formal vote on the proposals is expected at the meeting.

The potential removal of relegation is being considered as a means of encouraging greater investment from club owners and developing a more competitive league. Chelsea has dominated the WSL in recent years, winning the last five league titles. WPLL aims to create a more balanced competition by fostering stability and long-term planning among clubs.

Another proposed change includes rebranding the Championship as WSL2, a move that could take effect as early as next season. The Championship currently consists of 11 teams, following Reading’s withdrawal before the start of the campaign due to financial constraints.

The WSL was originally launched as an eight-team competition in 2011 with no relegation. A second tier was introduced in 2014, with further structural changes occurring in 2018, when the league adopted full professionalism and expanded the top division to 12 teams. The current system of one club being promoted and one relegated each season has been in place since 2021-22.

Clubs are expected to evaluate the proposals in the coming months, with further discussions anticipated before any formal decisions are made.